Cool New Pop Music Trends to Watch for in May 2023

Jacqueline Jax
7 min readApr 26, 2023

Pop stars of our past have taken us through so many good and bad times in our lives but one thing rings true, they made our moments memorable.

The newest generation of pop stars is no exception to this. They’re young, passionate, and talented. With their own unique styles, they’re pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be pop music. In 2023, we can expect to see some amazing performances from these rising stars. They’re ready to take the world by storm and we’re excited to be a part of it!

Pop Music Trends to Watch for in May 2023

As I review new songs coming out in May 2023 and think about what I’ve already discovered in April, I realize this next month is already shaping up to be a big month for pop music, with several exciting trends emerging. Here are some of the key developments that we’re expecting to see over the coming weeks:

Curators Picks Playlist:

Get a peek at all my picks this month across all genres.

Experimental Sounds

Musicians are increasingly pushing the boundaries of what pop music can be, incorporating elements of avant-garde, world music, and other diverse genres into their work.

  • Synthwave to give sci-fi vibes. This is spacy stuff.
  • Cinematic sounds to create epic moments in Pop Music
  • Rock & pop to please the crowd with edgy music elements
  • Lofi beats for chilled-out creators with catchy lyrics rolling over it
  • Trap to turn up the attitude and blend the genres.
  • Indie Pop music has become more melancholy and experimental than ever before. I’m seeing more introspective lyrics, stripped-down melodies, and raw emotions from artists in 2023
  • Socially Conscious Themes — In the wake of recent global events, pop musicians are using their platforms to address important social issues. Look out for songs that touch on topics like climate change, mental health, and social justice.

Indie Music Spin’s Brightest Pop Stars to Watch in 2023

Here are 10 Cool New Pop Songs that will make you happy just for listening..

  • GRIPPA- CRASH
  • SWATS — Digital Romance
  • Cruel by jnr.
  • Jesse Merineau — Temporary Dopamine
  • Broadway B — Left Right
  • Jyshoun — #imwitcha
  • ‘No Goodbye’ by Senobia
  • “Tacit (feat. Una Mey)” by JVLY

The Newest Pop Stars of 2023 are Showing Off Their Unique Styles

Discover Cool New Pop Music for Spring 2023

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GRIPPA — CRASH

Music Genre: POP
Vibe: BALLAD
Located in: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sounds like: Melanie Martinez

GRIPPA adds her unique perspective on growing up for a generation accustomed to the stranger things in life. While images of tiny plastic babies and bean cans may populate her aesthetic, underneath the veneer is a desire for the exploration of hard truths, made explicit throughout her lyrics.

That’s the duelling nature of GRIPPA, a force that can both revel in the random chaos of youth and also transform the ordinary into the unexpected.

Born out of weird core, musical theater and non-bubblegum pop, the seventeen-year-old pop artist dropped her final single “Crash” along with her debut EP “IS THAT HER?” New music from GRIPPA is coming in early May with her new album’s first release “LUST FOR LIFE”.

SWATS — Digital Romance

Music Genre: Future Bass
Vibe: Chill, smooth, dynamic
Located in: Charlotte, NC
Sounds like: Netsky, Seven Lions

SWATS — Digital Romance lifts the mind and spirit to another level. The sound is expansive as a soundscape and embodies these golden harmonies that are becoming a signature of his sound. SWATS embodies song writing in a special and engaging way. This artist has a clear talent for writing lyrics that resonate His style is known for its tactical sounds.

Digital Romance is a fun and energetic song about chasing love wherever it may take you. Infectious, spot-on vocals supported by a catchy and intense beat solidify how special this track is.

His knack for tactical lyricism, vocal harmonies and movement brings an excitingly unique and powerful presence as a Solo Artist, made clear in his debut album, “Reclamation.” Get ready for the next level of sound with his upcoming sophomore album, “Livewire!”

Cruel by jnr.

Music Genre: Alternative
Vibe: Acoustic, mellow, melancholy, experimental
Located in: Eora (Sydney), Australia
Sounds like: The 1975, Electric President, No Rome, beabadoobee

Indie Pop music has become more melancholy and experimental than ever before. I’m seeing more introspective lyrics, stripped-down melodies, and raw emotions from artists in 2023. A terrific example of this is ‘Cruel’ by jnr. This artist created a single of unique sounds and relatable lyrics.

’Cruel’ is the break-up before the break-up; when you both know that something is wrong in the relationship, but you can’t leave out of fear, selfishness, or a lack of self-confidence. It is the first time we are hearing the softer side of jnr. The song is based around a heavy ambient bedroom vibe and gently strummed acoustic guitars that progressively build and explode into a house-influenced drum break for the finale. JËVA provides a tender addition to the second verse, adding his own story of cutting ties and uncertainty in his mournful croon.

jnr. is the workings of Sydney based producer and songwriter, Ben Siva. Bending the boundaries of pop in his own experimental yet digestible fashion, he has been releasing a steady stream of singles since his debut ‘remember’ in March 2022. With the majority of the writing, performance and production handled by himself, jnr. is proving to be one of the most versatile and capable musicians in the underground pop scene.

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Jesse Merineau — Temporary Dopamine

Released by: Vegan Canibal
Genre: Pop Rock,Indie Rock, Alternative Rock
Moods: Moody, Sexy, Energetic
Similar artists: Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, Franz Ferdinand, Cage The Elephant, Young the Giant

This song is an indie-pop banger, revealing the reality of our addiction to vices & convenience. It questions why we allow ourselves to fall into the trap, even when we know it’s wrong. This single has been signed by the leading indie label in Spain! Super catchy indie-rock banger, with amazing lyrics co-written with Juno Award Winning songwriter”

Listen to the Best New Rock Songs Of April 2023

Broadway B — Left Right

Music Genre: Pop/R&B
Vibe: Soulful pop
Located in: Los Angeles
Sounds like: Aloe Blacc

Left Right by Broadway B is a brilliant play on soldier culture. This artist is clever and inspires me with his songwriting. The song is uplifting and gives unity to a common struggle by identifying in a relatable way. The melody it catchy with a syncopated pace that feels like a soldier march. I love everything about this song from theme to purpose. Broadway B is one to watch this year as he’s just dropped a piece of music that’s not only relevant to these times, but could easy be a milestone for his career.

The Next Gen is Now: The Best New R&B Artists to Watch in 2023

Jyshoun — #imwitcha

Music Genre: R&b/Pop
Vibe: Chill, Love
Located in: Boston Ma
Sounds like: A new wave of R&b

Jyshoun — #imwitcha is melting that smooth R&B sound with an incredible vocal range and a modern flow mixed with some traditional pop arrangements. This artist is seriously bringing class and style to the genre and leaves me feeling excited about his future. Not only does he have vocal talent, he’s got the rhythm of artists like The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Frank Ocean.

#imwitcha is a song written to bring love back. As an artist I felt hip hop and R&b lost the love. I wanted to be responsible for giving the world a song to post when people want to show off their relationships.

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‘No Goodbye’ by Senobia

EP — Time To Breathe
Music Genre: Jazz, R&B, Soul pop
Vibe: Funk, Groove
Located in: Greater Savannah Area

The soulful Jazz Ballad ‘No Goodbye’ stops you in your tracks. Senobia delivers this heart-wrenching bluesy vocal filled with presence. Honestly I felt that this sound and style was the best suited for this artist from the entire EP. All the songs are terrific but ‘No Goodbye’ really resonated with me. She really shows off her skills as a vocalist, range and rhythm. There’s alot of brilliance in how she conquers that song that reminds me of great singers from the 50’s with a bit of Adele rolled in. Now that’s I’ve heard this, I’m anxious to hear more of it.

“Tacit (feat. Una Mey)” by JVLY

Music Genre: R&B/Soul, Alt-pop
Vibe: happy
Located in: Newcastle, Australia
Sounds like: Tom Misch, Charlotte Day Wilson, Omar Apollo

The power of music to change your mood cannot be underestimated…Music has the ability to evoke emotions and transport us to different places and times. It can be a source of comfort, motivation, and inspiration. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, listening to music can have a profound effect on your mood.

Australian artist JVLY has the kind of music that changes your brain. The music is atmospheric with elements bring ethereal sounds together that inspire focus. The relaxing melodies and captivating movements relax your mind providing a mental escape for the listener.

JVLY’s new single ‘Tacit’ (feat. Una Mey) has a soothingly uplifting sound that plays well with guest vocalist Canadian artist Una May. Her sound is warm and entrancing. She’s the perfect partner for this talented music creator giving the production a sweetness.

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Fresh R&B songs that tell a story

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Jacqueline Jax

Radio Host @AVALIVERADIO ❤️ Journalist ❤️ Top Music writer on Medium- Top 5% music podcasts on Spotify. You’ll find inspiration here.